Purchase of Development Rights Program

"A Tool for Protecting our Land and our Quality of Life"

Landowners interested in preserving the natural character of their property may be eligible to have development rights purchased by the County. The James City County Board of Supervisors formally established the Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Program, a voluntary program that pays landowners to protect the cultural and natural resource assets of their property. The PDR Program allows landowners to enter into agreements to sell the development potential of qualifying property to the County while maintaining the right to continue to own and use the property. The purpose of the PDR Program will be to protect open-space, community character, farmland, and natural resources within the County.